As chair of the Lancashire & Cumbria Branch I feel that it is important that we are inclusive to all those involved in the Financial Planning process, especially Paraplanners, writes branch chairman Paul Jones CFP^CM.
Acknowledging that Paraplanners are as technically competent and qualified as Financial Planners, they can and should be given the opportunity to benefit from the same sharing of best practice, knowledge and personal development within the branch. As such, I arranged a Paraplanner focus for our September branch meeting and was glad to see a good turn out.
We handed straight over to the Paraplanners, beginning with an introduction by my colleague and local IFP member Jane Holt. Jane was awarded Paraplanner of the Year by the IFP in 2012 (this accolade for 2013 was awarded to Gemma Siddle at the IFP conference). Our congratulations Gemma. Jane talked briefly about how the role of the Paraplanner has evolved and become more prevalent in the profession
Damian Davies of Timebank
over recent years. Damian Davies of outsourced Paraplanning firm The Timebank was our first speaker. Damian provided a presentation highlighting the various ways a Financial Planning firm can use an outsourced Paraplanner and the services and benefits that can be accessed via this route.
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Damian's presentation was well balanced, and very honest about the benefits and limitations of outsourced Paraplanning, as well as the conditions in which it can be successful.
Following Damian, we were delighted to welcome IFP President Rebecca Taylor FIFP CFP^CM, director of Dunham Financial Services. Rebecca, like myself, is a champion of the Paraplanner role and was generous in her respect and praise for her own Paraplanning team. Her engaging approach delivered with humour does not hide Rebecca's intelligence and passion for high quality Financial Planning and it is not difficult to sense how she has developed such a successful practice.
Rebecca was extremely generous and candid; sharing information about Paraplanning and the process within her practice - what's worked and not. Her presentation encouraged a lively Q&A and an open dialogue with the attendees. Rebecca epitomises the willingness of successful Financial Planners within the IFP to share knowledge and experiences to help others in the profession develop and grow.
My aim is to continue to facilitate and provide valuable branch meetings for all members of our profession. I hope you'll come along and join us soon.